Halls football coach J.D. Overton resigns after six seasons

After Halls jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first half, South-Doyle put up 24 unanswered points in the second half to upend Halls 31-28 and eliminate the Red Devils from the playoffs.
Trenton Duffer, USA TODAY Network - Tennessee

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Halls coach J.D. Overton congratulates his team on their 20-13 victory over Sevier County on Friday, October 20, 2017. (Photo: SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL)Buy Photo

J.D. Overton resigned as Halls football coach on Thursday after six seasons. He is staying in education, pursuing an opportunity that doesn't include coaching, but declined to specify, stating he has "no intention to coach anyplace else."

Overton coached the Red Devils to a Region 2-5A championship this past season, their first in 21 years. He was named the region’s coach of the year. Halls finished 6-6 in 2017, losing to South-Doyle 31-28 in the second round of the playoffs. The loss snapped a four-game win streak.

At this time Coach Overton has resigned his position as our head football coach. He goes out as reigning Region 2-5A champions and Region Coach of The Year. Thank you all for your support through his tenure with us and we wish him nothing but the best!#CTPpic.twitter.com/3TRXbLAXFR

He reached the decision on Wednesday and addressed the team in a meeting before their weight session on Thursday.

"It was a tough decision but I wanted to tell the kids as soon as possible," Overton said. "I thanked them for buying into our program. I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts of our kids during my tenure here."

He's proud that his players bought in and played a tough brand of football, one the community could be proud of.

Overton said the next coach can expect great support from the Halls community, adding that it's a great place to raise a family.

Overton, who was the interim coach his first season at Halls, finished with a 25-39 record. Halls reached the second round of the Class 5A playoffs in each of the past three seasons.

"I want to thank our principal Mr. Duff for allowing me to have this opportunity," he said. "I've been very fortunate to coach at Halls. And thank you to the kids for essentially playing their guts out."

David Wilburn is the Halls High School auto body shop takes a break from his duties as ticket attendant during the game between Sevier County and Halls on Friday, October 20, 2017. SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL